Pelican Credit Union has partnered with Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Federation to launch the new Lion Pride Debit Card, designed to celebrate current students, alumni and the entire Southeastern community.
The exclusive debit card features the Southeastern school colors and logo. Every time alumni, students and fans make a purchase with their Lion Pride Debit Card, a portion of each transaction will be donated to the Alumni Association.
Southeastern’s Alumni Association is a vibrant community built on lifelong engagement, legacy and Lion Pride. The association’s notable accomplishments include a $60,000 endowed professorship, a $100,000 donation toward the new University residence, a $100,000 donation toward the return of football, as well as the establishment of the Rock ‘n Roar campus recruitment event and Southern Nights, which assists with legislative issues.
“We are excited to team up with Pelican Credit Union to launch the official Southeastern Lion Pride debit card,” said Malayne Sharp, director of alumni relations for Southeastern. “This card gives alumni, students and supporters a unique way to show their Lion Pride with every swipe. We’re grateful for the partnership with Pelican and the opportunity to create meaningful benefits for the Southeastern Alumni Association and our Lion family.”
The new Lion Pride Debit card is available now to anyone. You can get your debit card and begin supporting the Alumni Association by becoming a member of Pelican Credit Union and opening a checking account by visiting pelicanstatecu.com/southeastern or visiting your local Pelican branch.
Jessica Sharon, vice president of impact and advocacy for Pelican, said the new School Pride Debit card represents one of Pelican’s many ongoing commitments to giving back to the community and increasing access to financial education.
“Our efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars for universities and schools around the state, and we’re excited to make a big, meaningful impact at Southeastern,” Sharon added.
Pelican launched a similar card for the Southern University Alumni Federation in September 2024. Thus far, that card has raised $32,481.45 for the Federation. The Federation was established in 1941 and now consists of more than 100,000 Southern graduates. Its mission is to support the university’s goals and objectives through recruitment, financial support, public relations, community outreach, talent loyalty, dedication and commitment to the highest standards.
Pelican Credit Union has a similar program for K-12 schools, in which debit cards bearing the colors and logos of schools in locations such as East Feliciana Parish, St. Landry Parish, Lake Charles and Monroe are available to members.
In addition, Pelican hosts ongoing classroom education and financial literacy programs, a bulletin board contest for teachers and youth awards to local students who demonstrate Pelican’s core values.
Located in Hammond, Southeastern is Louisiana’s third-largest public university, with an enrollment of nearly 15,000 students and more than 150 programs of study. Last year, U.S. News & World Report named Southeastern one of the top universities in the South, one of the top 50 public schools and one of the top national performers for the social mobility of its students.
Pelican Credit Union has served Louisiana residents for 70 years. Pelican works with members in every stage of their lives with a wide array of financial programs and competitive products. As a designated Community Developmental Financial Institution (CDFI), Pelican is committed to providing financial solutions to individuals, families, and communities. To learn more about Pelican services or becoming a member, visit pelicanstatecu.com/join.
Southern University Alumni Federation, and I’d like to add something about that as well. That card launched on 09/24/2024 and as of yesterday has raised $29,114.80 for the federation. I also have a picture of reality TV star Omarosa (who is a law student at Southern) signing up for that card if we could use that one as well.